Melissa Pellino

New Haven, CT

Melissa Pellino is a Special Olympics coach from New Haven who will serve as the Family Coordinator for Team Connecticut at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Melissa is a special education teacher at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven. She also works one-on-one with clients as a Behavior Support Technician. 

This will mark Melissa’s second time participating in a Special Olympics USA Games event. She was a floating coach for the Connecticut delegation that participated in the 2022 USA Games in Florida. 

Melissa says Special Olympics has changed her life both personally and professionally. “It’s not just about giving someone a chance; it’s about empowering every individual to shine in their own way,” shares Melissa. Coaching has allowed Melissa to see her students and athletes achieve things that they did not know were possible. 

One of the biggest challenges for Melissa is learning to trust herself and believe that she is making a difference, even when it is hard to see right away.  When she first started coaching, she questioned if she was doing enough for her athletes. Over time, she realized that each small step means everything. She has also learned that impact isn’t always loud or immediate.
 
As a special education teacher, Melissa is proud of the work she has done to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for her students. She has developed individualized learning and behavior plans, collaborated with educators and families, and led classroom activities that focus on building life skills and independence. 

Melissa is most proud of seeing how her efforts turn into meaningful results. She puts her heart into everything she does, whether it’s developing a training plan, creating a lesson, or simply showing up with patience and support. 

In addition to teaching and coaching, Melissa enjoys going camping, reading books, shopping, and going on vacations with her family. As a young adult, Melissa used to race sailboats. It taught her a lot about teamwork, quick decision making, and staying calm under pressure. 

Melissa admires her students for their strength, determination, and ability to keep going no matter what life throws at them. “Every day, they show up with courage, curiosity, and a willingness to try even when things are tough. They face challenges head-on and continue to grow in ways that inspire me to be a better teacher and person,” says Melissa. Her students remind her of the importance of kindness, patience, and believing in yourself. 

To Melissa, attending the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is a celebration of hard work, and the belief that every individual has the power to achieve greatness. She is also looking forward to witnessing the energy of the Opening Ceremony, the strength of Unified Sports®, and the sense of community the event inspires. 

As a Family Coordinator, Melissa is working with the athletes’ parents and guardians to make sure they feel informed, included, and excited about the experience. Melissa’s goal is to ensure that families have everything they need to enjoy the incredible event alongside their athletes.